Current practice in the introduction of solid foods for preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infant Nutrition
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• The introduction of solid foods is a critical milestone in infant development.
• Timing of solid food introduction may differ between preterm and term infants.
• Current guidelines for solid food introduction are primarily based on term infant development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the age of first solid food introduction between preterm and term infants.
• To identify factors influencing the timing of solid food introduction in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study involving structured interviews with primary carers.
• Data collected on infant feeding practices, growth, and medical status.
• Comparison of solid food introduction timing between preterm and term infants.

Main Results:

• Preterm infants received solid foods significantly earlier (median 14 weeks corrected age) than term infants (median 19 weeks corrected age).
• Lower maternal education and male infant gender were associated with earlier solid food introduction in preterm infants.
• Preterm infants were introduced to solids before the recommended age for term infants, considering corrected age.

Conclusions:

• Preterm infants are introduced to solid foods earlier than recommended for term infants, even when corrected for prematurity.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of this early introduction.
• Evidence-based feeding guidelines for preterm infants require development.